There's disagreement in Brookfield over plans to use CARES Act funding to have cameras installed in the township park.

In a vote of 2 to 1, Brookfield Trustees approved nearly 50-thousand dollars in CARES Act dollars to go toward the installation of 15 cameras in the township park.

Trustee Dan Suttles was the lone vote against the move.

"I think it's for security and my concern, as a trustee, is that these funds aren't intended for that, they're intended for things that are related to the COVID-19 crisis," said Suttles. "I think there may be an attempt to take advantage of federal funds for something that we normally couldn't afford."

Trustee Ron Haun is the one who proposed the cameras. He said under the legal advice of the township attorney that the cameras meet the requirements needed to use the federal dollars.

"We want to provide another tool to the health department for possibly contact tracing if we have any breakouts," said Haun.

 So far, the township has received about $190-thousand  in CARES Act funding. That money has gone towards things like disinfecting equipment, thermometers, laptops for remote work, and other tech equipment.

"All projects that we have done so far, have a secondary benefit," said Haun.

Since these cameras were approved 2-to-1, the township can move forward in the process of purchasing and installing the cameras.

Trustees also approved the installation of touchless lights, faucets, and urinals - that will be placed in the park and all other township facilities.